Datsun India will soon launch a crossover version of the Go-Cross MPV. The company has already revealed the production-ready model, called the Datsun Cross, in Indonesia. Once launched in India, the Datsun Cross is expected to compete against the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon and Ford EcoSport.
Datsun’s 2018 Cross is based on a modified version of the company’s V platform. It is worth noting that the Go hatchback and the Go+ MPV are also built over the V platform. Hence, this platform sharing is expected to result in some major cost-cutting for the Datsun Cross, thus helping the company to price it aggressively.
The Datsun Cross 2018 also shares its mechanicals with the Go+ MPV. Moreover, it would borrow various design elements from the MPV sibling as well. As a result, the crossover is capable of seating seven, and comes with familiar side and rear profiles. However, Datsun designers have added a few new design elements to distinguish the crossover iteration from its MPV sibling.
Following are the details we know so far about the 2018 Datsun Cross that is coming to India:
2018 Datsun Cross India launch
The Datsun Cross has been globally unveiled in Indonesia on January 18, 2018. Since the Indian market is showing great interest in crossovers over a wide price range, Datsun would likely try to launch the Cross in the country as soon as possible. As a result, we expect the Datsun Cross to be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo in February. However, an official launch announcement is expected to be made sometime in March – April.
Datsun Cross 2018 expected price in India
Datsun is essentially a low-cost brand of the Nissan Group. As a result, it is known for launching cars at extremely competitive prices. This pricing characteristic is obvious to be taken forward to the Cross as well. Hence, the Datsun Cross is expected to be priced in India between Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Datsun Cross India specifications
In India, the Datsun Cross is expected to be offered with the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the Go+ MPV. This powerplant is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox and is rated at 67 bhp and 104 Nm.
Moreover, there are rumours that Datsun India will also plonk a diesel engine in the Cross. This will most likely be a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder K9K powerplant that is found in the Nissan Micra. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, this engine is capable of developing 63 bhp and 160 Nm of peak torque.
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder K9K diesel |
| Power | 67 bhp | 63 bhp |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
Datsun Cross features
- Kinked headlights with projectors and DRLs
- Large fog lamps
- Roof rails
- Roof-mounted rear spoiler
- Body cladding
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Rear parking sensors
- Airbags and ABS